Barry Jacobs Takes A Look At Fouls And Foul Shots

Maybe there should be a new efficiency statistic related to free throws - the ratio of foul shots a player takes compared to those he spawns with his own fouls.

Calculating the cost of each personal is a bit complicated, of course. Not every personal sends an opponent to the line, and not every free throw attempted is made.

What's more, a lack of fouls committed may as easily reflect unenthusiastic defense as strong discipline and defensive control.

Still, a simple comparison is instructive.

Looking at those 2012 players who got to the line most often for each ACC team, a ratio of better than 2.5 free throws tried to one foul committed is impressive.

Understandably guards appear more likely than big men to enjoy a significant advantage in attempts versus attempts caused; perimeter denizens are less likely to incur fouls as a result of fighting for rebounds or contesting shots.

Which makes the ratio enjoyed last year by Virginia post player Mike Scott (3.1:1) all the more remarkable.